20071026 News Clips

News Clips

Oct. 26, 2007

STATE NEWS

What's at stake? (We're just asking)
Political futures of lawmakers, O'Malley could depend on success or failure of the special session
http://gazette.net/stories/102607/polinew65912_32356.shtml
The hype has been like the lead-up to a Super Bowl.
Now, with kickoff to the third special legislative session in four years only days away, the eyes of the state will be on how Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) and lawmakers resolve the $1.7 billion budget deficit. The stakes, personal and political, are has high as they have ever been. O'Malley has said that building the consensus needed to call the special session is the most difficult thing he has done in his political life.
Still, Republicans are lining up to decry the tax proposals, with a GOP-sp onsored anti-tax rally on Lawyers Mall before the General Assembly convenes Monday. Democrats are set to follow with their own rally in support of education and health care on the State House steps two hours later.
Republicans said they will not use the hole the state finds itself in for political gain, but are determined to influence the process of finding a solution. ''We're not in this to play a cynical game of 'gotcha' politics," said Christopher B. Shank (R-Dist. 2B) of Hagerstown, the House minority whip. ''We're in this to try to solve a problem."
Despite being heavily outnumbered, Republicans say they can influence the proceedings if enough people express their distaste for O'Malley's plan. ''It's not predestined at this point," said House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell (R-Dist. 29C) of Lusby.
Republicans are not focused on any electoral gains in 2010 that might result from passage of O'Malley's tax package , O'Donnell said. ''This should not be about partisan advantage. This should be about what's good for Maryland's economy, Maryland's competitiveness with other states, Maryland's working families and Maryland's small businesses," he said. ''Elections come and go, but let's put that stuff aside."

Counties association favors slots
Qualified support based on program of compensation
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.maco26oct26,0,1336255.story
The Maryland Association of Counties offered qualified backing yesterday for Gov. Martin O'Malley's call to legalize slot machine gambling, saying it "could be an acceptable long-term state revenue source, were such a program responsibly crafted."
"A responsible slots program must provide continuing fair and full compensation to the host subdivisions for impact expenses and respect local land use authority," according to a statement distributed at a news conference at the State House.
When asked whether local elected officials there would support slots within their boundaries, Baltimore County Executive James T . Smith, a Democrat, replied: "It's too early to get into where they may be located. We don't know enough about the governor's proposal or the discussions with the speaker and the president of the Senate." Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon and the executives of Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery and Wicomico counties warned of the consequences if the General Assembly were to cut spending instead of raising taxes.
Yesterday, the Maryland Republican Party noted one of those polls, conducted by Gonzales Research and Marketing Strategies, that showed O'Malley's disapproval rating rose to 31 percent from 21 percent in March. The change was attributed to a shift among Republican voters. The poll also found that nearly two-thirds of voters opposed the proposed increase in the state sales tax to help reduce the budget deficit. Jim Pelura, chairman of the Maryland Republican Party, said in a statement: "Martin O'Malley owns this tax increase plan. As Ma r ylanders learn more about his tax-and-spend scheme, it comes as no surprise that O'Malley's disapproval ratings will soar. Nobody likes tax increases, and O'Malley has compounded the problem by telling folks that they will be better off after the largest tax hike in Maryland history. He has lost all credibility with Marylanders."

Governor announces details of his health care proposal
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.health26oct26,0,7780414.story
Gov. Martin O'Malley rolled out a health care plan yesterday that would expand medical coverage for uninsured residents and commit funding for data exchanges that connect the state's hospitals and allow them to share records.Addressing critics who question the wisdom of expanding programs in the face of the looming deficit, O'Malley stressed the plan's "pay-as-you-go" f e ature and said that residents who have private insurance would save money because the cost of treating the uninsured in Maryland is added to their premiums.
A similar proposal passed the House in the last session but died in the Senate, where President Thomas V. Mike Miller argued that implementing it without a solution to the state's fiscal woes would be irresponsible. Miller says he would support health care legislation during the special session if it doesn't add to the deficit.
But Republican lawmakers said they are still worried about the cost of the proposal and would prefer private-sector solutions. "Our primary concern right now needs to be reducing the structural deficit and chronic overspending, and several hundred million dollars for a new social program is only going to exacerbate the problem," said Del. Christopher B. Shank, House minority whip from Western Maryland. "These are worthwhile goals, but we have to set priorities."

Md. officials violated provision of election law
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-md.ci.campaign26oct26,0,664903.story
Several state elected officials - including two statewide officeholders - violated an obscure provision of election law that required them to file campaign finance reports more frequently this year because they gave money to Baltimore City candidates.
The review of state records by The Sun found that Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler and Comptroller Peter Franchot, along with a half-dozen members of the General Assembly, did not fulfil the filing requirement. But several of the officials vowed to do so after being contacted yesterday by the newspaper.Campaign finance reporting regulations are in place to ensure the public can keep track of who is funding which candi d ates. The donations were reported as receipts by the candidates who received them, but not as expenditures by those who made them.

EPA orders Arundel cleanup
Pharmaceutical plant told to comply or face fines of $32,500 a day
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/annearundel/bal-te.md.ar.hazardous26oct26,0,6388390.story
The owner of a dormant Brooklyn Park pharmaceutical plant, which was found to have open chemicals and 50,000 gallons of hazardous waste on its property, has been ordered to clean up the site by year's end or face federal fines of up to $32,500 a day. Environmental regulators and Anne Arundel County officials say those pollutants pose a fire hazard and an imminent threat to public health. The warehouse and tank-storage area are within a mile of three schools and a short walk from homes and a neighborhood playground. The fear of a "potentially catastrophic fire" spurred Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold to call this month for swift action by federal regulators, citing numerous violations of the county fire code.
"I am pleased with their recognition of the seriousness of this matter and their willingness to act promptly," Leopold said of the federal order.

Howard County offers free flu shots
Clinic at Gateway Business Park will double as emergency-preparedness exercise
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/howard/bal-md.ho.flu26oct26,0,3474762.story
Howard County health officials are offering up to 4,000 free flu inoculations next month at a drive-through clinic designed to reach twice as many people as a similar exercise last year. "We want to bring attention to the fact that flu is a serious issue," Beilenson said, noting that twice as many people die of influenza each year as die from antibiotic-resistant staph infections, which have received extensive publicity lately.
Police Chief William McMahon and Fire Chief Joseph Herr said the vaccination event will help first responders practice for a possible avian flu outbreak or an act of biological terrorism.

'Doomsday' budget would slash state aid to convention centers http://www.examiner.com/a-1011225~_Doomsday__budget_would_slash_state_aid_to_convention_centers.html
Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposed budget cuts would drop all state aid to Maryland's two major convention centers, funding that comprises two-t h irds of the Baltimore center's annual payments and half of those for the Ocean City center. Local convention officials and national analysts said the cuts could end up costing the state and city far more than they'd ever save. O'Malley on Tuesday unveiled the budget cuts he'd have to make unless the General Assembly passes his proposed tax increases and revenues measures in a special session beginning Monday. The governor's plan would end $4.2 million in state funding toward the Baltimore Convention Center's deficit, and $1.5 million for the Ocean City Convention Center, according to a breakdown of cuts released earlier this week.

O'Malley proposes more to be spent on uninsured
http://www.examiner.com/a-1011260~O_Malley_proposes_more_to_be_spent_on_uninsured.html
Gov. Martin O'Malley is proposing the s tate spend as much as $250 million more each year to offer health insurance to 100,000 uninsured people by adding them to the Medicaid rolls and subsidizing very small businesses that begin offering health insurance to workers. The proposal hinges on passing new taxes and slot machine gambling in a special session of the General Assembly that begins Monday, O'Malley said Thursday. The plan comes two days after he disclosed $1.7 billion in budget cuts he would have to make if the legislature does not raise taxes, including doubling the cigarette tax.
"They are really part of the same mission to make our state a better place," O'Malley said. "There is broad consensus in the General Assembly" for health care improvement. "If we're unable to make progress, we will continue to backslide" on this issue.

Gilchrest accused of 'dirty tricks'
http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071026/METRO/110260075/1004 Supporters of state Sen. Andrew P. Harris' campaign to unseat Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest say the incumbent's top aide pushed another candidate into the Republican primary to dilute support for Mr. Harris. "This is [Mr. Gilchrest's] insurance card that he doesn't lose the race," said state Sen. Nancy Jacobs, Harford County Republican. "It's dirty tricks. It's what goes on behind the scenes. But to get caught with your hand in the cookie jar."
Mrs. Jacobs said one of her former staffers now working for the Gilchrest campaign told her about the plan to enlist Mr. Banks, a technology executive. Mr. Banks yesterday denied the accusations. "Absolutely not," he said. "It sounds like a vast right-wing conspiracy."
"This is the worst form of dirty tricks camp a igning," said Chris Meekins, Mr. Harris' campaign manager. "Sadly, that is what we have come to expect from Wayne Gilchrest. This is exactly why Republican voters are looking for new leadership."
Whether Mr. Banks was asked to enter the race remains in dispute, but he clearly opposed Mr. Harris' bid this summer.
He said Mr. Gilchrest was the Republicans' best chance to hold the seat.

Counties Protest Possible Cuts
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/
A dozen county leaders from across Maryland convened in Annapolis yesterday to warn against the consequences of cutting education funding and other local aid as a solution to the state's projected $1.7 billion budget shortfall.
Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) said this week that counties could take a big hit if lawmakers do not pass his revenue package in a special session that starts Monday. So m e legislators have argued that counties should be part of the solution, given state aid to local government has swelled in recent years to about 40 percent of Maryland's general fund.
Raises for most county employees have outpaced those of state workers in recent years, and most counties have healthier reserves than the state, making them an attractive target for legislators.

Maryland tax hikes could push business to Delaware
Special session to decide on proposals to increase corporate burden
http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071026/NEWS01/710260303
As legislators prepare to negotiate more than a dozen tax changes during a General Assembly Special Session on Monday, Lower Shore business owners anxiously wait to learn if they're going to be impacted and how much. Increasing ta x rates are never a popular topic, but parts of O'Malley's plan could make doing business in Maryland much harder, said Brad Bellacicco, executive director of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce.
"Because we're located this close to Delaware with no sales tax, a sales tax increase is especially scary to our members," Bellacicco said. "Several of the proposals do end up shifting a lot of the tax load onto the businesses and a study indicated that businesses statewide could lose jobs." What could alter the local economy the most in Ed Rommel's eyes is not only a bump in the sales tax rate, but the expansion of sales taxes into the service industry such as accounting firms like Twilley, Rommel & Stephens P.A., where he serves as a managing partner. The proximity to Delaware makes him curious about moving operations six miles north on Route 13 to just over the state line in Delmar.
"It appears as if the services which h a ve the least amount of representation in the legislature have been targeted for this tax, as opposed to a more broad based tax that would include all professional services, medical, legal or what have you," Rommel said, adding that Maryland is developing a bad corporate reputation. "I was at a national seminar last week and I heard that Maryland has a reputation for being anti-business. The state of Maryland doesn't perceive it that way, but that's what the business community perceives."These taxes could also make a large dent into the bottom lines of small businesses, and since that's the heart of the Wicomico County economy, the long-term effects could be suffocating.

Md. Jockey Club plans rally for slots
Live racing canceled on Nov. 2 to allow supporters of industry to rally in Annapolis
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-racing1026,0,136.storyThe Maryland Jockey Club has canceled live racing on Nov. 2 to allow employees, horsemen and racing fans to rally in Annapolis in support of bringing slot machines to Maryland, the club announced today.
The General Assembly is scheduled to hold hearings at 11 a.m. that day on various proposals to bring slot machines to the state as part of a special session that begins Monday. The rally is scheduled for 9 a.m. in front of the State House.

EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

Rally for no new taxes
http://www.examiner.com/a-1011220~Rally_for_no_new_taxes.html
Go. Just do it. Head to the anti-tax rally in Annapolis on Monday and let our legislators know raising taxes is not the answer to fixing the state's projected $1.7 billion budget deficit. Gov. Martin O'Malley's doom-and-gloom projections for how cutting the state budget will affect government services are a scare tactic, not reality.
Go to SmartGov.net to download the schedule of events, which start at noon at Lawyers Mall and end at the State House Gallery following the opening ceremony of the special session.
As Mark Twain said, "No man's life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session." Tell legislators to spend the special session cutting waste. It's premature to even contemplate taxes without first eliminating fat from current operations - and having a budget to analyze.

Governor should stop scare tactics
http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2007/10/26/news/opinion/editorial/editorial843.txt
Gov. Martin O'Malley should listen to his own Comptroller instead of trying to scare people into going along with his budget proposals. The Governor on Tuesday ran through a laundry list of ways that residents would suffer if they didn't get behind his proposals. The list included everything from closing two police barracks to cuts in health care for the poor. The doomsday ploy isn't a new tactic.
Even here in Carroll under past administrations we have seen similar tactics. O'Malley needs to listen to his own Comptroller, Peter Franchot, who criticized O'Malley's proposals and the way the Governor was rolling them out. The picture isn't as bleak as the Governor is painting, and Franchot says a more deliberative process of moving addressing issues and resolving the budget problems would be better.We need to take a long hard look at state spending, which is usually done during the legislative session, and we need to look at revenues and expenses together in order to find the best ways to move forward.
O'Malley shouldn't try to bypass the process to push through tax increases, and he shouldn't use scare tactics to try and gain support for his plan.

Odd man out
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bal-ed.heritage26oct26,0,1415668.story
At first, Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett loved the idea of a collective marketing campaign to promote the scores of sites along a four-state corridor from Gettysburg, Pa., to Charlottesville, Va., that bear witness to some of American history's most momentous events.
But when the $15 million proposal got wrapped into a larger measure creating such heritage areas around the nation - and Mr. Bartlett learned that "Virginia-based" environmentalists and wealthy landowners were a driving f orce behind the one for this region - the Western Maryland Republican cried foul. He railed to his House colleagues Wednesday about a "big-government, big-spending philosophy" that threatened local property rights.
Mr. Bartlett should have trusted his initial instincts instead of playing to the inside-the-beltway anti-government crowd.

Tackling the mortgage crisis
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bal-ed.subprime26oct26,0,2122791.story
A state task force reviewing the impact of the subprime mortgage crisis in Maryland has come up with reasonable proposals that would tighten lending practices and help deter the loss of homes to foreclosure here. But relief won't be swift.
Their recommendations require action by the General Assembly, which won't take up the proposals until it next meets in regular session in January. Foreclosures related to subprime mortgages have an impact on more than lenders and homeowners. They result in lost revenue for governments and diminished property values for communities. It's in Maryland's interest to try to soften the blow.

Gilchrest menhaden proposal worth consideration
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/10_25-21/OPN
Rep. Wayne Gilchrest is second to none in the state congressional delegation when it comes to putting thought into environmental issues - particularly the health of the Chesapeake Bay. And his proposal for a five-year ban on the harvesting of menhaden deserves serious attention. The ban could easily do much more for the bay's rockfish population than President Bush's suggestion, on a visit to St. Michael's last week, that rockfish - or st r iped bass - be designated a gamefish, and that commercial harvesting cease. Mr. Gilchrest was there, and we hope he got a chance to talk to the president about menhaden. They are not a glamorous fish, being small, bony, oily and inedible to humans. But they are phytoplankton eaters, nourishing themselves by cleaning up the excess algae and plant material clouding the bay. And they are themselves a favorite food of rockfish and bluefish.
Of course, the jobs that would be lost if Omega's Chesapeake Bay operation shuts down are mostly in Virginia, not Mr. Gilchrest's district in Maryland. But saving the menhaden population is not a high-profile issue - just an important one. Mr. Gilchrest deserves credit for paying attention to it, and his legislation deserves consideration.

20071028 Tribune, Patuxent Publishing Group, Baltimore Sun disclosure

20071028 Tribune, Patuxent Publishing Group, Baltimore Sun, and The Tentacle disclosure

Kevin Dayhoff writes for three of the newspapers in the Patuxent Publishing Group, the Sunday Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle and Eldersburg Eagle.

The Patuxent Publishing Group is owned by “Tribune.” Tribune also owns the Baltimore Sun – and as a matter of fact, the Sunday Carroll Eagle is distributed in the Sunday edition of the Baltimore Sun – see: 20071021 Baltimore Sun: “To our readers.”)

Additionally he writes for an online magazine, “The Tentacle.”

“When I stop working the rest of the day is posthumous. I'm only really alive when I'm writing.” Tennessee Williams

http://www.kevindayhoff.net/

http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion-talk/

http://www.youtube.com/kevindayhoff

http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

http://gizmosart.com/dayhoff.html

Kevin Dayhoff’s Facebook photo album

Kevin Dayhoff’s Facebook page

Blog Net News Maryland: http://www.blognetnews.com/Maryland/feed.php?channel=33

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr.org or kevindayhoff AT gmail.com

20071028 The Sunday Carroll Eagle introduction

The Sunday Carroll Eagle introduction

October 28, 2007

On October 28^th, 2007 the publication for which I write, The Westminster Eagle and The Eldersburg Eagle, (which is published by Patuxent Newspapers and owned by Baltimore Sun); took over the Carroll County section of the Baltimore Sun.

“The Sunday Carroll Eagle ” is inserted into the newspaper for distribution in Carroll County. For more information, please contact:

Mr. Jim Joyner, Editor, The Westminster Eagle

121 East Main Street

Westminster, MD 21157

(410) 386-0334 ext. 5004

Jjoyner AT Patuxent DOT com

For more – on “Soundtrack” click on: Sunday Carroll Eagle

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunday%20Carroll%20Eagle

Also see: Monday, October 22, 2007: 20071021 Baltimore Sun: “To our readers”

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2007/10/20071021-baltimore-sun-to-our-readers.html

Baltimore Sun: To our readers

baltimoresun.com: October 21, 2007

Beginning with next Sunday's editions, our Carroll County readers will be getting a new publication with expanded coverage of the news, people and events in one of Maryland's fastest-growing counties.

This new tabloid publication will be called the Sunday Carroll Eagle. It will be delivered with your Sunday Sun, and it also will be included in editions purchased at retail locations throughout Carroll County.

The Sunday Carroll Eagle will provide our readers with new and deeper local coverage than is currently contained in The Sun's Carroll section. It will be produced by Patuxent Publishing, part of The Baltimore Sun Media Group, which already publishes the weekly Westminster Eagle and Eldersburg Eagle newspapers.

With the arrival of this new publication, we will no longer publish the current Carroll section in the Sunday Sun.

Of course, our readers can continue to follow news about Carroll County in the pages of The Sun and on baltimoresun.com. We value your readership of The Sun, and we hope you enjoy this new publication.

20071024 Angry O'Malley takes on doubters by Liam Farrell Maryland Gazette

Angry O'Malley takes on doubters

By LIAM FARRELL Staff Writer
Published 10/24/07

---

Visibly angry and frustrated, Gov. Martin O'Malley yesterday unveiled what his fiscal 2009 budget would look like if no new revenue is raised in a special session.

Higher education, health care, and public safety programs would all take tremendous hits, and local governments would face cuts of more than $866 million.

[…]

"There is a price for doing nothing," Mr. O'Malley said. "I do not believe that this is what the people of Maryland … will choose."

Mr. O'Malley's frustration at the news conference in Annapolis came as state Comptroller Peter Franchot publicly disputes the need for a special session.

[…]

Mr. O'Malley has proposed an ambitious plan to address the state's deficit, including raising the sales tax, corporate tax, reforming the income tax and legalizing slot machines.

The total package would raise $6.5 billion of new tax revenue over the next five years. That number doesn't include other parts of the plan, such as increasing the gas tax and titling tax, that would not go toward the deficit and would instead augment transportation funding.

Read Mr. Farrell’s entire article here: Angry O'Malley takes on doubters

20071023 Maryland State Comptroller Special Session Letter

Maryland State Comptroller Special Session Letter

http://www.franchot.com/content/view/163/61/

October 23, 2007

As you know, Governor O'Malley has signed an Executive Order convening the Maryland General Assembly to consider his proposed remedies for the State of Maryland's $1.7 billion structural budget deficit. The Governor's proposal includes, but is not limited to, an increase in the State's sales tax, cigarette tax and corporate income tax rates, an extension of the sales tax levy to service transactions that are currently exempt, a fundamental realignment of our State's personal income tax structure, and a plan to legalize slot machines in Maryland.

Having served two decades in the General Assembly, including several years as Chairman of a House budget subcommittee, I have been through similar fiscal challenges and appreciate the Governor's desire to address our State's looming budget shortfall in an aggressive manner. As Maryland's chief fiscal officer, however, I must question the timing and necessity of this approach. Mindful of the reservations each of you has expressed about a special session, I must underscore the profound - and perhaps unintended - consequences of this undertaking on Maryland's economy, business climate and quality of life, and to caution against acting in haste.

THE TIMING

The special session that will convene on October 29 will take place against a backdrop of exceptional economic instability. The collapse of the subprime mortgage industry has effectively ended the most sustained housing boom of this generation. The recent, dramatic spike in foreclosures has created a national surge in housing inventory just as stricter lending standards have compressed the pool of potential buyers. These well-documented national trends have also been experienced in Maryland. For example,

• The foreclosure rate has increased by 57 percent in Maryland from the first quarter of 2006 through the second quarter of 2007, compared to 41 percent nationally;
• The foreclosure rate for subprime Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) has increased 200 percent in Maryland, compared to 115 percent nationally;
• The median price of existing homes sold in Maryland declined by 0.6% in August, compared to August 2006. This was the second decline in just four months, coming not long after 54 consecutive months of double-digit growth;
• Existing home sales in August dropped by 25 percent compared to August 2006, and were 44 percent lower than 2004 and 2005 levels;
• Today, Maryland's housing inventory is at the highest levels of this decade, and has increased threefold in just three years.

The collapse of the housing market, in turn, has inspired a ripple effect throughout the entire U.S. economy. Just last week, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned that the troubles in the housing market could be a "significant drag" on the economy.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average and other U.S. financial markets are in the midst of a period of high volatility. Consumer confidence has plunged, as evidenced locally by the sluggish growth in state sales tax receipts that led to last month's $130 million writedown of FY 2008 revenues. The dollar has dropped to an all-time low against the Euro, compounding concerns of higher oil prices and inflation. The Labor Department reported last week that applications for unemployment benefits are far exceeding expectations, raising concerns that the housing collapse will finally destabilize the nation's job market. As a result of these and other, similar developments, many national economists have elevated the odds that we will enter a period of recession.

It is in a spirit of concern over the general direction of our economy that I have recommended a more cautious and deliberative approach to addressing Maryland's structural budget deficit. In recent weeks, I have suggested that our December presentation of revenue estimates would offer a much clearer sense of Maryland's long-term economic outlook, as well as the dependability of the funding streams that the Governor is counting on in his package. The availability of this crucial data, coupled with traditional economic indicators that are duly reported by the media, argues in favor of taking up the Governor's proposal during the regular 90-day session. The politics of the day might argue in favor of a more dramatic gesture. From a budgetary and fiscal standpoint, however, the current state of affairs makes this special session - and its purpose - a high-risk proposition.

THE NECESSITY

In recent weeks, the media has reported warnings from senior O'Malley Administration officials that, without a special session, the State's structural budget deficit will mushroom. Please allow me to take this opportunity to set the record straight. There is no relationship whatsoever between the timing of the next General Assembly session and the magnitude of Maryland's structural budget deficit. As you know, the structural deficit is loosely defined as the negative balance between the sum of the State's ongoing spending obligations and its ongoing revenues. Unless we are required to revise State revenue estimates downward, or unless the State makes any unfunded spending commitments between now and January (which is highly unlikely), the structural budget deficit will remain at $1.7 billion.

At the risk of restating the obvious, it is also worth noting that through June 30, 2008, the State of Maryland has a balanced budget. That, too, is irrespective of the timing or outcome of the next General Assembly session. It has been suggested, by key lawmakers from both parties, that it would be more appropriate to take up the Governor's package during the regular legislative session, where it can be considered within the context of his FY 2009 budget proposal. Aside from affirming the basic logic of considering new revenues, spending commitments and budget cuts at the same time, I will further substantiate this approach by restating that there are no permanent costs associated with proceeding in that manner.

THE CONSEQUENCES

The Governor's revenue package includes the most dramatic reform of Maryland's tax structure in well over a generation and, in slot machines, a proven catalyst for a broad range of social and economic ills. It would directly affect all Maryland residents, workers and tourists, as well as every small business and corporation that has chosen to invest in our state. Mindful of its enormous ramifications, I must note that Governor O'Malley's plan was constructed in private, introduced gradually by press release, and the details have yet to be made available. This makes review and evaluation of the plan next to impossible, and further risks actions being taken that may have unintended consequences.

For example, according to press releases that have been made available by the Governor's office, the plan includes a proposal to extend the sales tax levy to property management services. Although the details on this particular provision are unclear, concerns about its impact on the State's affordable housing stock have already been raised. In meeting with citizens and business leaders throughout Maryland, I have heard numerous complaints that the costs of this tax will simply be "passed through" to renters, many of whom are families with low and moderate incomes who cannot afford further strain on their fixed budgets. My intent is not to render a personal opinion on this specific piece of the plan, or any others. Rather, it is to underscore the importance of sharing this plan with the public in open, inclusive and unscripted public forums. I am afraid that the current timetable allows virtually no opportunity for such stakeholder input, which could ultimately diminish public confidence in the process and result in a product that negatively impacts the Maryland economy and the taxpayers we represent.

In my view, the volatility of the U.S. and Maryland economies, the absence of an immediate fiscal "crisis" and the lack of detail about the plan could all combine to create a perfect storm of unintended consequences. Rather than act in haste, the fiscally prudent and practically wise thing to do would be to move cautiously and deliberatively throughout this process.

20071024 Blackwater supports State Dept. recommendations

Blackwater supports State Dept. recommendations

Wed Oct 24, 2007 By JoAnne Allen

WASHINGTON, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Private security contractor Blackwater USA said on Wednesday it supports recommendations by a State Department panel to boost oversight of contractors in Iraq.

North Carolina-based Blackwater, which employs about 1,000 people in Iraq, said it was pleased the U.S. government was seeking to improve contractor accountability.

Blackwater has been under intense scrutiny since the shooting deaths of at least 17 Iraqis last month in Baghdad in an incident that enraged Iraq's government.

Blackwater, which protects U.S. diplomats and other State Department officials in Iraq, has said its guards acted lawfully.

A panel of experts appointed by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to look into the work of private security contractors after the Sept. 16 shooting said this week that prompt measures were needed to strengthen oversight and accountability of the department's security practices in Iraq.

"Improvements are necessary to address shortcomings in coordination and oversight that have undermined confidence in the operation of the security program," the report said.

Blackwater said it welcomed the recommendations.

"We look forward to participating in constructive efforts to improve governmental oversight and accountability and we applaud the Department of State for taking this essential first step," the company said in a statement.

Read the entire article here: Blackwater supports State Dept. recommendations

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State Department Use of Contractors Leaps in 4 Years (October 24, 2007)

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Defense Contracts

Blackwater USA

United States Armament and Defense

Iraq

20071024 Carroll County Commissioner Mike Zimmer asks for legislation against illegal immigrants by Mike Silvestri

Zimmer asks for legislation against illegal immigrants

Mike Silvestri, The Examiner 2007-10-24

Carroll County -

Adult illegal immigrants should be banned from Carroll County by law, says Commissioner Michael Zimmer.

He says the county’s state delegation should pass a law against adult illegal immigrants in Carroll, and he is asking his fellow commissioners to encourage them to take action.

[…]

Read the entire article here: Zimmer asks for legislation against illegal immigrants

20071023 What is the Carnival of Maryland? By Attila the Pillage Idiot

What is the Carnival of Maryland? By Attila the Pillage Idiot

October 23, 2007

Maryland Blogger Alliance

Just the FAQs, Ma'am.

Every other Sunday, members of the Maryland Blogger Alliance have been hosting a roundup of writing about Maryland.

(Logo courtesy of Charlie Dowd of C. Dowd's Blog.)

You can get links to the editions that have been posted already by checking the widget on the sidebar. That widget will also list the hosts of the forthcoming editions of the Carnival.

If you'd like to submit a post to the Carnival, use the Blog Carnival form.

For your benefit, here are the previous editions of the Carnival:

Oct 21, 2007 Creating a Jubilee County: Prince George's Co., MD

Oct 07, 2007 monoblogue

Sep 23, 2007 abolitionofman.com

Sep 09, 2007 Pillage Idiot

Aug 26, 2007 Tinkerty Tonk

Aug 11, 2007 Red Maryland

Jul 29, 2007 Maryland Politics Today

Jul 15, 2007 It's Our Wits That Make Us Men

Jun 25, 2007 Mike's Nether Land

Jun 17, 2007 Technosailor

Jun 04, 2007 Nathan Vogel

May 20, 2007 monoblogue

May 06, 2007 Soccer Dad

Apr 23, 2007 Kevin Dayhoff - Soundtrack Division of Old Silent Movies

Apr 08, 2007 Politics, Hon.

Mar 26, 2007 The Greenbelt

Mar 11, 2007 Pillage Idiot

Feb 26, 2007 Crablaw's Maryland Weekly

20071022 Michael Yon: Resistance is Futile

Michael Yon: Resistance is Futile

Michael Yon is offering to make available his dispatches to local newspapers who are members of the National Newspaper Association. Read on for more information…

October 22, 2007

Resistance is futile: You will be (mis)informed.

[…]

All describe the bizarro-world contrast between what most Americans seem to think is happening in Iraq versus what is really happening in Iraq. Knowing this disconnect exists and experiencing it directly are two separate matters.

[…]

This got me to thinking: what if I made a similar offer on a more permanent basis to a large media syndication, say, the National Newspaper Association?

[…]

This is where my readers come in, at least those among them who share the concern that the distorted picture most Americans have of the situation in Iraq has strategic (and disastrous) implications for this war, our national security, and the stability of one of the most volatile regions on the planet.

Those readers can first check to see if their local paper is a member of the NNA . Because only NNA members will be able to

” . . . print excerpts of Michael Yon’s dispatches, including up to two of his photographs from each dispatch. Online excerpts may use up to 8 paragraphs, use 1-3 photos, and then link back to the full dispatch on his site saying ‘To continue reading, click here.’”

If their local paper is a member of NNA, readers can contact the editor, urging their participation.

In the blognetnews.com area, the Carroll County Times, Delmarva Daily Times, and Easton Star Democrat, to mention a few, are members of the National Newspaper Association.

Perhaps if we all made a concerted effort to contact these newspapers and call to their attention Mr. Yon’s offer, we may be able to begin getting some accurate information about Iraq printed in the local media…

[If Bob Owens’ experience is a reliable indicator, this might take several prompts.] By encouraging their local daily or weekly newspapers to reprint these dispatches in their print editions, more people without internet access can begin to see a more accurate reflection of the progress I have observed and chronicled

Read his entire post here: Resistance is Futile

Mr. Yon’s work in Iraq is solely supported by reader contributions. To contribute to Michael Yon’s incredible work, click here or:

Those who prefer to send a check or money order payable to Michael Yon, please use the following mailing address:

Michael Yon
P O Box 5553
Winter Haven, FL 33880-5553

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20071024 News Clips

News Clips

Oct. 24, 2007

STATE NEWS

O'Malley warns of high 'cost of delay'
Outlines budget cuts before special session
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bal-md.governor24oct24,0,3530907.story?coll=bal_tab01_layout
Gov. Martin O'Malley described yesterday a scary scenario if the General Assembly fails to take action during a special session starting Monday to eliminate a projected $1.7 billion shortfall in the state budget next year. "If for some reason a consensus on the revenue package should elude us, I would be left to put forward this budget of cuts when we come back in the regular session," O'Malley said.
House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell said, "Governance through fear is abhorre nt to the American psyche." "These are not the types of things that anybody is seriously contemplating," said O'Donnell, a Southern Maryland Republican. "The governor does not seem serious about making spending reductions. He wants to pick things that will cause fear in people."
An hour before the news conference, Comptroller Peter Franchot released a letter cautioning Maryland legislative leaders "against acting in haste" to approve O'Malley's sweeping plan, saying the lack of an "immediate fiscal crisis" and the governor's failure to release details of his proposals could lead to "unintended consequences."Franchot, a Democrat, repeated his call for the General Assembly to wait until the regular session starting in January to consider O'Malley's proposal.
As for voter opinions on legalizing slot machine gambling, 59 percent said they favor the idea - the highest margin i n five years. Asked about putting the slots question to voters on the November 2008 ballot, 84 percent backed the idea. O'Malley has not yet indicated whether he would ask state lawmakers to approve slot machines at selected locations or put the matter to voters through a ballot referendum."In my view, the volatility of the U.S. and Maryland economies, the absence of an immediate fiscal crisis and the lack of detail about the plan could all combine to create a perfect storm of unintended consequences. Rather than act in haste, the fiscally prudent and practically wise thing to do would be to move cautiously and deliberatively throughout this process," Franchot wrote in the letter to legislative leaders.

Insuring 100,000, plugging shortfall
$2 billion O'Malley initiative readied for Assembly
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.health24oct24,0,1628383.story?coll=bal_tab01_layout
The Maryland General Assembly will consider a $500 million health care proposal to extend medical coverage to more than 100,000 uninsured residents during the special session called by Gov. Martin O'Malley to tackle the state's fiscal problems.
But finances could jeopardize the plan. O'Malley hopes to raise $2 billion through a series of tax increases and, possibly, revenue from legalized slot machines. If any piece of that package failed in the General Assembly, more money for health care could evaporate.
O'Malley held a news conference with his Cabinet secretaries yesterday to urge passage of his budget solution and warned that deep budget cuts will be needed if legislators don't act.

O'Malley polls dip as budget flap intensifies
http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20071024/METRO/110240050/1004
Mr. O'Malley's approval rating dropped six points, to 46 percent, and his disapproval rating increased 10 points, to 31 percent, since the last statewide poll conducted in March by Gonzales Research and Marketing.
A spokesman for Mr. O'Malley, a Democrat, said the governor was not worried about his six-point drop in the polls.
"Most of those numbers break along party lines," said spokesman Rick Abbruzzese, noting an increase in Republicans who disapprove of Mr. O'Malley's leadership but steady support from Democrats. "Leaders lead even when they have to make difficult decisions." The budget shortfall has long been predicted by nonpartisan budget analysts, but Democrats and Republicans are split over how to fix the problem. Republicans flatly oppose tax increases and support broad spending cuts.
Republican senators criticized Mr. O'Malley's budget proposal as a scare tactic.
"He's trying to scare people into having a consensus and that's not going to work," said Sen. Allan H. Kittleman, Howard Republican. "It's the new movie 'A Nightmare on State Circle,' and Governor O'Malley plays the lead character. If you go to sleep you're going to get your taxes raised. So people in Maryland have to be vigilant. They have to stay awake and they have to fight hard."

Poll: Support for slots is up, down for O'Malley
http://www.examiner.com/a-1006485~Poll__Support_for_slots_is_up__down_for_O_Malley.html
Support for slots among Maryland voters is up, but it's down for Gov. Martin O'Malley, according to a new statewide poll. The poll also found overwhelming backing for a referendum on slot machine gambling.<>The poll taken last week by Gonzales Marketing also found widespread support for the income tax hikes O'Malley has proposed for corporations and the wealthy and for the special session he has called, and opposition to the increase in the sales tax he's seeking.
Almost the entire change in the governor's approval rating was caused by a sharp drop in support among Republican voters, two-thirds of whom now disapprove of him, almost double the number in March. Among Democrats, 61 percent approve of the job he's doing.
Gonzales, who's been polling in Maryland for decades, said he was particularly surprised "at the shear overwhelming number of people that want slots to go to referendum."

Zimmer asks for legislation against illegal immigrants
http://www.examiner.com/a-1006597~Zimmer_asks_for_legislation_against_ i llegal_immigrants.html
Adult illegal immigrants should be banned from Carroll County by law, says Commissioner Michael Zimmer. He says the county's state delegation should pass a law against adult illegal immigrants in Carroll, and he is asking his fellow commissioners to encourage them to take action. In a commission form of government, the state lawmakers must pass the law.
"It's important to sort of send the message that if you're a legal resident, you're welcome here in Carroll County," Zimmer said. "If your not, it's not a good situation." He stressed that it would apply only to adults because children don't have a choice whether they are illegal. Zimmer requested a public hearing and more discussion with various county departments.

Governor outlines long list of cuts if his budget plan fails
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/10_24-03/OUD
Gov. Martin O'Malley painted a picture of fiscal agony on Tuesday if his budget plan fails to pass in a special session. It was an ugly Maryland landscape, the governor drew, with poor people unable to get health care, neglected foster children and closed police barracks. While O'Malley said he felt obligated to warn about what could happen if his plan fails, he expressed confidence that it was gaining ground. Republicans were dismissive of the Democratic governor's position, saying the state can handle the budget deficit with level funding and shifting some responsibilities to the counties. Sen. E.J. Pipkin, R-Queen Anne's, said O'Malley was manufacturing a fiscal crisis to scare up momentum for unneeded tax increases to support big government. "Halloween has come early to Annapolis," Pipkin said.
The slot machine piece of the pr o posal appears to be the most uncertain. A perennially contentious Annapolis issue, slots don't generate major revenue in the first years of O'Malley's plan. But slot machines eventually are expected to raise about $550 million a year. Busch said he didn't believe there was enough support in the House for a slots bill outright, and O'Malley has said he's inclined to move toward sending the matter to a referendum. Busch said a referendum would receive more support.

O'Malley backup proposal includes big cuts for Md.
http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=177560&format=html
Washington County would face about $19 million in cuts under a $1.7 billion budget-deficit-erasing plan Gov. Martin O'Malley released Tuesday as a contrast to his previously proposed tax package. Some statewide cuts wo u ld have implications here, such as possibly merging the Potomac Center in Hagerstown with another state center for people with mental disabilities. O'Malley, a Democrat, presented the list to show what would happen if the Maryland General Assembly doesn't pass tax increases and changes during a special session that starts Monday. Del. Christopher B. Shank, R-Washington, dismissed O'Malley's proposal for cuts as a political ploy to justify raising taxes. "I think it's meant to inflame public opinion," said Shank, the second-highest ranking Republican in the House, where Democrats dominate.
Sen. Donald F. Munson, R-Washington, said "doomsday" budget proposals probably are meant to be a lesson about a legitimate deficit problem. He said O'Malley likely has the votes lined up for his tax proposals.

Pollitt urges support for O'Malley budget plan
County asks Shore legislato r s not to let state budget deficit pinch local governments
http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071024/NEWS01/710240367
Wicomico County pleaded with Lower Shore legislators Tuesday night to agree to Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley's plan to eliminate the state's $1.7 billion budget deficit and not pass it on to local government.
County Executive Rick Pollitt and Finance Director Pat Petersen organized a short presentation reporting that the county may need to offset 10 percent of its general fund, eliminate raises, layoff workers or possibly reduce the work week if the state's so-called "Doomsday" budget were enacted. This plan essentially cuts $1.7 billion from state aid and adds nothing. Pollitt stressed that counties are often the victim when the state makes cuts.
"We're hoping the state won't follow the t raditional road of looking at local government as easy pickins', and try not to fix the state's structural deficit problems on the backs of local communities," Pollitt said after the meeting.
Sen. J. Lowell Stoltzfus, R-38-Somerset, asked county officials about their decision to fund the school system $1 million above the Maintenance of Effort Standard. He suggested that most Maryland counties are only funding at Maintenance of Effort, and in tough financial times, the county should consider less for schools. This is especially true when Wicomico ranks fifth in state support per pupil at more than $7,400, Stoltzfus said.
He and Delegate Page Elmore, R-38A-Somerset, also suggested the county is paying too much for salaries since it's had an average cost of living increase for the past five years at twice the rate of the state's 2 percent. Elmore suggested the county might see leaner times ahead. "You might have a slowdown, but you ' re not going to have a doomsday," Elmore said. "Some of the governor's proposals will pass."

New law may push illegal immigrants to Maryland
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.immigration24oct24,0,4232479.story
A resolution passed in Virginia's Prince William County last week to crack down on illegal immigrants might bring a mass relocation to welcoming states like Maryland, experts said. The law bars illegal immigrants from obtaining business licenses or using services for the homeless, elderly and drug-addicted. In addition, police must check suspects' status if there is reason to believe they are here illegally. Maryland is not the most permissive state when it comes to immigration, said immigration expert William Hanna, a professor at the University of Maryland, College Park. B u t it "is probably in the top half of states in the United States that have been more receptive."
Maryland has generally been more relaxed about illegal immigration than Virginia. For example, it is one of only nine states that doesn't check immigration status before issuing a driver's license.
"We have a growing immigrant community in Maryland that's made its economy No. 1," said Del. Victor R. Ramirez, a Prince George's Democrat. The economy could draw people to Maryland, he said.

Race is on for Christman's council seat
Special primary, general election in the works for this year
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/annearundel/bal-ar.christman24oct24,0,5444437.story
With Republican Alderman Michael I. Christman's formal resignation letter barely a day old, the race is already on to find his replacement on the Annapolis city council. A prominent city Republican, Alderman David Cordle, said his party is trying to recruit a candidate. Cordle said Republicans intend to field a candidate, although no one has stepped forward. He said the party is looking at two possible candidates. One, whose name Cordle said he could not recall, is serving on the city's Republican Central Committee. The alderman said he is also waiting to hear back from someone he has recruited. Cliff Myers, chairman of the city's Republican Central Committee, could not be reached for comment yesterday.


EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

Delegation can right a wrong
http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2007/10/24/news/opin i on/editorial/editorial845.txt
Carroll's legislative delegation has an opportunity today to right a wrong when they meet to consider alternatives for the change to five commissioners which voters said they wanted in 2004. After the 2004 vote, a committee was established to set the districts. It included three Democrats and three Republicans, as well as a neutral seventh member, Janet Jump from the Board of Elections. Both political parties brought their ideas to the table. Ultimately, a map submitted by the Democrats received a 4-2 approval from the committee.
But when the time came for the delegation to vote on a map to take to Annapolis, five of them voted for the map submitted by their hand-picked Republican members. Having been rebuffed in the original process, and turned away in Annapolis after trying to assert their will, the time has come for our delegation members to do the right thing.
Take the map proposed by the commi t tee and make it law. Let the process work as intended.At the time, and to this day, no real reason has been given by any of the members for abandoning the public process.


NATIONAL NEWS

Bill would halt menhaden harvest
Gilchrest says moratorium would restore food supply for striped bass
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.gilcrest24oct24,0,6358262.story
Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest has introduced legislation that seeks to put a moratorium on harvesting menhaden in both state and federal waters, a move he hopes will revive the oily baitfish that are a main food source for striped bass."Most states have already banned menhaden fisheries," said Gilchrest, a Republican who represents Maryland's 1st Congressional District. "It seems to me that the evidence is clear. If you look at the Chesapeake Bay as a whole system, then you can recognize that you have a large striped bass population. But it's not even close to what it was."Gilchrest said he was also able to make the menhaden case to the head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the commerce secretary and a key presidential environmental adviser.

Bartlett opposes heritage area legislation
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/735101/
Congress is expected to vote this week on legislation that would create a national heritage area encompassing all of Frederick County and stretching from Monticello, Va., to Gettysburg, Pa. Frederick's U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, a Republican, said this week he intends to vote against the legislation a n d opposes the Journey Through Hallowed Ground area in his district, one of six new national heritage areas proposed in the bill. Bartlett believes the bill should include stronger protection of property rights, broader local representation in the area's management and no federal funding, he said.
"All of our nation's founders knew of the intimate connection between personal liberty and property rights," Bartlett said in a statement. "The National Heritage Areas bill, H.R. 1483, and in particular, the bill's exclusive version of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground, tramples over rather than honors these hallowed principles."

20071024 Editorial on Shield law by Frederick News Post

Editorial on "Shield law" by Frederick News Post

Originally published October 24, 2007

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/opinion/display_editorial.htm?StoryID=66736

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives strongly endorsed a new journalism "shield law." The House voted 398 to 21 in favor of the Free Flow of Information Act of 2007, which would extend new protections to journalists in safeguarding their confidential sources. As the vote count indicates, the bill had strong bipartisan support --easily enough to override a presidential veto. The fate of the bill in the U.S. Senate is said to be less certain, in spite of the fact that the Senate Judiciary Committee has already voted 15-2 in support of it.

This federal shield legislation is breaking new ground, as it would, for the first time, establish legal standards on the federal government's power to order journalists to testify, disclose documents or name unidentified sources critical to their work. At present, most states have their own shield law legislation, but an overarching federal law is genuinely needed.

Read the entire editorial here: Editorial on Shield law by Frederick News Post

20071024 Dan Gainor: Brewing up a contest to mock tax tricks

Commentary by Dan Gainer, The Examiner, October 23, 2007

Dan Gainor: Brewing up a contest to mock tax tricks

BALTIMORE -

Trick or treat?

OK, in Gov. Martin O’Malley’s Maryland, we only get one choice — more than $1 billion in new taxes. That’s not exactly a treat. Two days before Halloween, the governor will knock on every door in the state demanding goodies.

This isn’t an innocent Charlie Brown, with a small bag, begging for treats. O’Malley has the power to scare the legislature into a special session — the second session in one year. (Each rebroadcast of the “Great Pumpkin” is called a rerun. I guess that makes this a re-session. How appropriate.)

I’d be lying if I said we’re likely to stop this tax terror…

[…]

A contest, that is.

Since the governor is holding his session at such an ironic time, let’s take advantage of it. I want you, the readers of this column, to come up with suggestions for the right costume O’Malley should wear presiding over such an epic abuse of power during Halloween.

I’ve used a lot of metaphors for our good governor during the past year. Jesse James was my favorite. Forrest Gump got me an e-mail complaint from the state Democratic Party. And I personally saw the governor in what I think was a War of 1812 officer’s costume at a Ravens charity event a couple of years ago.

So you have to do better than those. The idea should be fun and humorous, and tweak the nose of a man leading his state down the path to tax suicide. No overly mean comments will be allowed. (I get to make all of those.) Send your entries to gainorcolumn AT gmail.com. Deadline is Saturday at the witching hour — midnight.

[…]

Read the entire column here: Dan Gainor: Brewing up a contest to mock tax tricks

Dan Gainor can be seen each week on Thursday afternoons on the new Fox Business Network. He is The Boone Pickens Free Market Fellow at the Media Research Center’s Business & Media Institute, a career journalist and media commentator. He can be reached at gainorcolumn@gmail.com.

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20071024 Politics, Hon: Jane Skinner Gets “You-Tubed”

Jane Skinner Gets “You-Tubed”

October 24^th, 2007

A big Hat Tip to W. Crodhil presents "Politics, Hon" for calling to our attention: Jane Skinner Gets “You-Tubed”.

I’m not sure which I like better, Jane Skinner and “Skinnerville” or the repartee between her and Sheperd Smith. One thing for certain, it is video for everyone to watch, especially for folks who do a lot of public speaking, if not, for anything, to see her poise and professionalism – after the gaffe. Who among us has not been there?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KKXektRX3Y